Adult Male
Year First Identified: 2004 as an Adult Male
Known Offspring Of: Unknown at this time
Year Last Observed: 2022
Genetics Study Samples Obtained: Unknown
Identification:[]
2015 Bears of Brooks River book: 775 is a medium-large bear with a tapering, but thick neck. He has a Roman nose and lacks a prominent brow ridge. His coat is a uniform brown. This bear’s most distinctive feature is short left ear. Prior to 2011, both of his ears were the same size.
2016 - 2018 Bears of Brooks River books: 775 is a medium-large bear with a tapering, but thick neck. He has a Roman nose and lacks a prominent brow ridge. His coat is a uniform brown and he has a sizable scar near his left hip. This bear’s most distinctive feature is his short left ear.
Watch this Meet Bear 775 Lefty video by Mike Fitz, Resident Naturalist with Explore.org to learn identification and distinctive behaviors that will help you identify 775 Lefty.
Distinctive Behaviors:[]
2015 Bears of Brooks River book: Like 161 and 879, 775 is only known to use Brooks River in the fall. He is often seen fishing at the cut bank and sometimes further downstream, but does not typically approach the mouth of the river. Like many of the bears that use the river in the fall, he does not appear to be particularly tolerant of the presence of people. He often moves away from groups of people walking through the river.
2016 Bears of Brooks River book: Until 2015, 775 was only known to use Brooks River in the fall. That changed in July 2015, when he arrived unexpectedly at Brooks Falls and fished for several weeks. When he first arrived, 775 appeared to have no prior experience fishing at Brooks Falls and his behavior indicated he was very hungry. He challenged nearly every bear at the falls for fish, even very dominant bears like 856, and successfully stole fish from female bears. For several days, the mere sight of salmon caused him to run and pursue them. He even leaped off of the falls into the jacuzzi to try and catch salmon. After a few days, he learned to fish the lip of the falls without resorting to belly flops.
Bears are typically ravenous by early summer, but most bears with experience fishing at Brooks Falls know to bide their time and be patient. 775's frenzied activity showed his need for calories and lack of experience at the falls. He quickly learned to catch fish on the lip, a skill he did not posses when he first arrived. This, combined with his energetic pursuit of salmon, demonstrated his hunger and ability to learn.
In the fall, he is often seen fishing at the cut bank and sometimes further downstream, but does not typically approach the mouth of the river. Like many of the bears that use the river in the fall, he does not appear to be particularly tolerant of the presence of people. He often moves away from groups of people walking through the river.
Watch 775 Lefty leap off of Brooks Falls .
2017 & 2018 Bears of Brooks River books: The same information that appears in the 2016 edition of the book also appears in the 2017 and 2018 editions of the book, with the following additional information found in the both of those subsequent editions:
In 2016, 775 returned to Brooks Falls in July and consistently fished the lip of the falls. He rarely challenged other bears or attempted to steal fish, instead he focused on catching the salmon readily available to him.
Note: 775 Lefty did return to the Brooks River in July 2017 and again fished Brooks Falls.
Life History:[]
2004: Adult Male, 1st Year Identified & Classified[]
775 Lefty was initially identified and classified in 2004 as an adult male.
October 2004:[]
2006: Adult Male[]
October 2006:[]
2010: Adult Male[]
Both of 775 Lefty's ears were the same size from 2004 - 2010
2011: Adult Male[]
Prior to 2011, both of 775 Lefty's ears were the same size.
2013: Adult Male[]
September 2013:[]
2014: Adult Male[]
September 2014:[]
2015: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty was included in the 2015 Bears of Brooks River book on page 66:
July 2015:[]
2015.07.?? Anna-Marie AZ July 2015 Flickr video of 775 Lefty (below) begging from 868 Wayne Brother on the lip.
2015.07.12: Mike Fitz captured video of 775 Lefty leaping off the falls on 7/12/2015. "Bear belly-flop! This bear, nicknamed Lefty, arrived at Brooks Falls in July 2015. Not willing to wait for salmon to come to him, he jumped off of the waterfall."
Katmai National Park and Preserve also posted video of 775 Lefty's jump from 7/12/2015. "Few bears take the plunge off of Brooks Falls. Sometimes bears make a mistake and fall off of the falls, but 775 Lefty jumped through his own volition—several times. The sight of sockeye salmon was all the enticement that hungry bear needed."
Volunteer in Park Anna-Marie AZ captured these photos (#1 & #2 ) of 775 Lefty stealing 410's fish, 7/12/2015.
Please request Anna-Marie AZ's permission prior to using her photographs!
2015.07.13: Explore posted a video of 775 Lefty on 7/13/2015 titled "Bear Fight at Brooks Falls Then Bear Jumps Off Waterfall!"
Jack Denger's 7/13/2015 photo of leaping 775 Lefty.
Carla Farris's photos of 775 Lefty #1 and 775 Lefty (far) with 868 Wayne Brother (near) #2 on 7/13/2015.
2015.07.14: 775 Lefty's leap, 7/14/2015 video by Lyn Gulbransen.
775 Lefty begging from 409 Beadnose, 7/14/2019 video by Martina.
Explore Bears and Bison posted a video on 7/14/2015. 755 Lefty is seen below the falls, climbing the falls, stealing a fish fom 409 Beadnose and running away with it.
480 Otis (far) and 775 Lefty (near) have words, 7/14/2015 video by Markindify.
7/14/2015 Jack Denger photo of 775 Lefty pirating a fish from 128 Grazer.
Volunteer in Park Anna-Marie AZ captured this 7/14/2015 photo of 775 Lefty (left) pirating a fish from 128 Grazer (right)
2015.07.15: 775 Lefty and 409 Beadnose have words on the lip, 7/15/2015 video by Markindify.
2015.07.16: Kenneth Kearney captured 4 photos of 775 Lefty taken on 7/16/2015 during his visit to Brooks Camp, #1, #2, #3 and #4.
2015.07.18: 480 Otis interactions with 775 Lefty and 747 video .:
2015.07.20: 775 Lefty catching fish on the lip, 7/20/2015 video by Markindify.
2015.07.22: Shel shared 2 snapshots of 775 Lefty on the lip from 7/22/2015, #1 and #2.
2015.07.23: Shel shared 2 snapshots of 775 Lefty with 480 Otis, #1 and #2.
Explore Bears and Bison posted a video on 7/23/2015 titled "Lefty Catches 20 Fish In His Feeding Frenzy."
2015.07.29: 775 Lefty fishing the lip, 7/29/2015 photo by Nick Dale.
2015.07.31: 480 Otis and 775 Lefty, 7/31/2015 video by Juergen.
775 Lefty fishing the lip, 7/31/2019 video by Cruiser.
Late July 2015:[]
2015.07.??: Theresa Bielawski shared four photos of 775 Lefty on 5/17/2021, #1, #2, #3 and #4. Photo #4 shows 775 Lefty (right) trying to steal a fish from 755 Scare D Bear (left), not 480 Otis. "Here are some more pics of Lefty - all from late July 2015. First year I saw him and fell in love with his attitude. The scuffle pic is him trying to take a fish from Otis, in which he was successful."
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2016: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty was included in the 2016 Bears of Brooks River book on page 77. 775 Lefty also appears on the Adult Males page, page 58.:
July 2016:[]
2016.07.??: Tim Auer captured video of 775 Lefty catching a fish on the lip in 4K, July 2016.
2016.07.??: ChandlerWest Photography captured video of this vicious attack on 775 Lefty by 128 Grazer in July of 2016. 775 had wandered to where 128 Grazer had her cubs and nearly lost his ear. Note: this Facebook video is no longer available.
2016.07.06: 775 Lefty jumping and pouncing in the jacuzzi, 7/6/2016 video by Markindify.
LuvBears filmed video of 775 Lefty talking back to 814 Lurch, 7/6/2016. 480 Otis watches from the office.
2016.07.07: 775 Lefty steals 410's fish video by LuvBears.:
2016.07.08: 20:38: 505 and 775 Lefty fishing the lip video by Mickey Williams.:
2016.07.10: Joe Bear filmed video of 775 Lefty stealing fish from 755 ScareD Bear on 7/10/2016.
2016.07.11: LunaCre shared a 7/11/2016 gif of 775 Lefty scratching an itch.
2016.07.12: 505 fishing the lip with 775 Lefty. 505 is mostly hidden by 775........but........the "Queen" 410 is front and centre until 634 Popeye displaces her at the 2:00 mark; video by Mickey Williams.:
2016.07.13: Kenneth Kearney captured 17- 7/13/2016 photos of 775 Lefty during his trip to Brooks Camp, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16 and #17.
2016.07.16: Truman Everts captured this photograph of 775 Lefty that shows 775's upper chest wound on July 16, 2016 at 20:42 (p 08/30/16 15:14). Truman Everts shared two 7/16/2016 photos of 775 Lefty on 5/16/2021, #1 and #2.
Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
Brenda D's 7/16/2016 video of 775 Lefty, Oops, wrong way. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2016.07.23 or prior: Tim Auer's 7/23/2016 or prior video of 775 Lefty fishing the lip.
2016.07.26: 775 Lefty climbs down the old fish ladder at the beginning of this 7/26/2016 video by angerbodha. He is then seen roaming the Brooks Falls area.
GreenRiver's 7/26/2016 snapshots of 775 Lefty on the lip, #1 and #2.
2016.07.27: MarieG shared a 7/27/2016 photo by Andrey Gudkov in chat. Marie commented "One of my favorite photos that shows the size difference between adult boars. 856’s head and neck looks twice the size of 775 Lefty’s. July 2016 by Andrey Gudkov: 775 (L) & 856 (R)." Marie shared an additional 7/27/2016 photo of 775 Lefty by Andrey Gudkov.
2016.07.28: Marie shared two photos of 775 Lefty taken by Andrey Gudkov on 7/28/2020, #1 801 (near) and 775 Lefty (far) and #2 775 Lefty hanging off the lip.
2016.07.31: Nice catch by 775 Lefty! 07/31/2016 photo by Matthias Serfling.
2017: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty is included in the 2017 Bears of Brooks River book on page 79. 775 Lefty also appears on the cover of the 2017 edition of the book in a July 2016 NPS photo by Ranger Anela Ramos.:
May 2017:[]
2017.05.08: In a 5/8/2017 KNP&P Facebook video post, Ranger Becca discusses Bear 775 Lefty.
2017 Season:[]
2017.??.??: Park visitor, Mark Emery captured this video of 775 Lefty successfully fishing the lip of Brooks Falls.
2017.??.?? (Prior to August 6, 2017): Pitchey shared made this August 6, 2017 comment with photo of 775 Lefty by a "recent" visitor to Brooks Camp.
July 2017:[]
2017.07.17: Lefty vs The Salmon, with music, 7/17/2017 video by yesitsdonna.
2017.07.18: Stand-off at the falls, 775 Lefty & mystery bear video by Melissa Freels. Update: The bear on the right is 801. Mazey (3/30/2020)
Brenda D captured video of a long stand-off between 775 Lefty and 801 (not 68) above the falls, 7/18/2017. 775 Lefty is on the left and 801 is on the right. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.20-07.22: ElaineDE visited Brooks Camp from 7/20-7/22/2017. She shared 2 photos of 775 Lefty in chat on 3/2/2020, photo #1 and 3/2/2020, photo #2. In the first photo, 775 Lefty is seen standing to the right of 32 Chunk on the island. In the 2nd photo, 775 Lefty is observed fishing the lip. Elaine DE shared 7/20/2017 photos of 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request ElaineDE's permission prior to using her photos!
2017.07.20: Phillydude's description of a 7/20/2017 Brenda D video: "an injured looking 856 gingerly makes his way across the top of the Falls and joins Lefty on the Lip, 856 was obviously not in any shape to get into a confrontation, but showed how much respect he has as a dominant Boar as Lefty felt awkward about the situation and walked off anyway." Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.21: 775 Lefty is on the lip and 856 is in the jacuzzi when 32 Chunk arrives at 1:27 and they both yield their fishing spots to him, 7/21/2017 video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2017.07.22 - 2017.07.24: Park visitor and cam viewer, JstDucky captured this photo of 775 Lefty during her trip to Brooks Camp. JstDucky shared this information when she shared the photo in the bearcam comments.:
"775 Lefty is such an interesting bear. He has trouble staying still or in any one place for any length of time. He's so enthusiastic and fishes and eats every salmon like he's afraid it might be his last meal, even if he just finished his previous fish 10 seconds earlier. He's also got quite a recognizable, and unique face (even if the ears didn't give him away). He also looks like he's got a fairly fresh wound on his chest that I hadn't noticed previously and have no idea when or how he received it."
On November 3, 2017 at 07:35, park visitor and cam viewer, Scammin commented and shared two July 22, 2017 - July 24, 2017 photos (#1 & #2 ) of 775 Lefty. Scammin's comment with the photos:
"While some to many bear cam viewers agree that bear 68 has one of the best if not the best coat of fur at Brooks, there is always the other end of that spectrum. In the least QC category for 2017, I present exhibits A and B depicting 775 in all his late July glory. Happy Friday."
The fresh wound on 775 Lefty's chest is visible in the first photo Scammin shared .
Scammin shared photos of 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020. #1 (by jstducky) and #2 (by scammin).
2017.07.29: Sleepy 775 Lefty is bothered by mosquitoes, 7/29/2017 video by Markindify.
BearNecessities shared five 7/29/2017 snapshots of 775 Lefty when he was snapping at mosquitoes, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5.
A close-up of 775 Lefty, 7/29/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2017.07.30: 503 gets a surprise when 775 Lefty closes in on him, 7/30/2017 video by flyer 7474.
2018: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty was included in the 2018 Bears of Brooks River book on page 82.:
February 2018:[]
2018.02.13: Explore posted a Facebook video of the Top 4 Bear Leaps on 2/13/2018. 409 Beadnose is featured in leap #1. Bear Leaps #2-#4 are 775 Lefty.
2018 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this video of 775 Lefty during the 2018 season.:
Cam viewer GreenRiver shared a 2018 snapshot of 128 Grazer (near) and 775 Lefty (far) on the lip.
Kristi Odom filmed 775 Lefty on the lip in this video that was posted on 8/1/2018. 775 Lefty can be seen at 00:10 to 00:12, 00:37 to 01:03 and 02:07 to 2:17.
2018 Instagram photos of 775 Lefty by Thomas Ajspur, #1, #2 and #3 with 409 Beadnose on the left.
July 2018:[]
Park visitor, Mike Weagley, captured this July 2018 video of 603 (believed by some to possibly be early season 68) in the jacuzzi, 409 Beadnose and 775 Lefty on the lip (near to far), 747 in the far pool, 480 Otis and 755 Scare D. Bear by the "office" wall on the North side of the river.
Mike Weagly also captured this July 2018 video that includes 854 Divot (1st bear seen), 409 Beadnose and 775 Lefty (near to far) on the lip, 603 (believed by some to possibly be 68 in early season) in the jacuzzi, 747 in the far pool, 480 Otis in the office, and 755 Scare D Bear in the river on the North side by the downriver end of the wall.:
Mike Weagley also captured this July 2018 video that begins with 775 Lefty fishing the lip with 409 Beadnose. 854 Divot and other bear (804 ? maybe) can also be seen..
Mike Weagley also captured this July 2018 video of 603. 128 Grazer, 409 Beadnose (with fish), and 775 Lefty on the lip near to far at the beginning of this video. 409 takes her fish closer to the fish ladder to consume her fish. The video then switches to 603 (believed by some to possibly be 68 in the early season) and 856 (left to right) at the 0:36 mark The video then goes back to the bears on the lip and then back again to 603 and 856. The sweeping briefly to 755 Scare D Bear on the North side of the river.:
Mike Weagley also captured this July 2018 video of 603 (believed by some to possibly be early season 68) seen begging from 409 Beadnose while 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty fish the lip. When 603 turns away 856 is seen to the right.:.
2018.07.??: Theresa Bielawski shared eleven photos of 775 Lefty on 5/17/2021. The photos were taken in July 2018 and also feature 911 (not 32 Chunk) and 409 Beadnose, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 and #11. "Missed one of my favorite guys yesterday - Lefty. Here is my favorite all-time shot of him from July 2018. I will post more shots later. Happy Monday all! And here are some Lefty pics from July 2018. Also Lefty & Chunk (911 not 32 Chunk) fishing the lip together and Lefty & Beady on the lip also. All 3 were on the lip fishing together." Theresa Bielawski shared two additional photos of 775 Lefty on 5/18/2021, #1 and #2. "Here are a couple of 911 farther away and one close-up - from July 2018. With 775 & 409."
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
2018.07.04: 775 Lefty is greeted by 634 Popeye (not 747) and 480 Otis video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
Victoria White also captured video of 775 Lefty on 7/4/2018. After 775 arrives at the falls, 634 Popeye chases him up on the lip as 480 Otis comes over to see what is going on.
2018.07.05: 775 Lefty video by Brenda D. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
2018.07.06: 775 Lefty video by Ratna Narayan::
2018.07.07: 775 Lefty fishing the lip of Brooks Falls, 7/7/2018 video by Maurice Whalen, KNP Volunteer. "Lefty was a fishing machine on the lip of Brooks Falls at Katmai National Park in 2018. This was July 7, 2018. There were several occasions where he caught fish, checked them out and dropped them apparently because they weren't good enough, or weren't female with eggs."
2018.07.08: 775 Lefty surprises 128 Grazer on the lip video by Lani H.:
2018.07.09: 775 Lefty has words with another adult male video by Lani H.:
2018.07.11: 775 Lefty at Brooks Falls, video by Victoria White.
During a 7/11/2018 Play by Play with Mike Fitz and Ranger Andrew LaValle, 409 Beadnose and 775 Lefty are seen fishing the lip, video by Brenda D. At 9:34, 775 Lefty challenges 409 Beadnose for her newly caught fish and steals it. 409 can then be seen biting and grabbing 775's right ear at 9:56. Note: Video unavailable as of 2021. Thumbnail left for context.
How 775 Lefty almost lost his ear video by tsaneda. 856 attacks an unidentified female at the top of the falls. 775 Lefty steals a fish the hard way from 409 and almost loses his ear in the process. 856 looks on and then after heading down the fish ladder chases an unidentified male. Sometime between 7:00-7:30p AKDT:
2018.07.12: 775 Lefty and 755 Scare D. Bear on the lip video by Lani H.:
2018.07.14: 7/14/2018 Cramer Claus photo of 775 Lefty either resting or waiting his turn.
2018.07.16: 775 Lefty the master lip fisher, 7/16/2018 photo by Sébastien Defaut.
2018.07.17: 854 Divot(?) is displaced by 747 sending her up the log and into 775 Lefty on the lip video by Mickey Williams.:
83 Wayne Brother and 775 Lefty have words. 83 does a little cowboy walking, 7/17/2018 video by Victoria White.
2018.07.17: 503 refuses to leave the lip for 775 Lefty, 7/17/2018 video by Birgitt. 409 Beadnose arrives at 1:33 and stands to the left of 503.
2018.07.18: Victoria White captured video of 775 Lefty fishing the lip on 7/18/2018.
2018.07.28: 775 Lefty video by Lani H.:
2018.07.31: 775 Lefty fishing the lip with many salmon jumping video by Lani H.:
Fall 2018:[]
GreenRiver shared this fall 2018 snapshot of 775 Lefty on top of the falls.
2019: Adult Male[]
April 2019:[]
2019.04.27: Kam created this artwork of 409 Beadnose, 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty (near to far) inspried by a photo taken in 2018 or prior.
2019 Season: []
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2019 season video of 775 Lefty.
Explore's "Meet Bear 775 Lefty - Bears of Brooks Falls" video, published on 8/14/2019.
Scooch shared this 2019 GIF of 775 Lefty fishing on the lip. "775 Lefty, making it look easy."
CarolineB shared these mid-summer 2019 snapshots of 775 Lefty, #1, #2 and #3.
2019.??.??: 775 Lefty is the star of this video 2019 Alaska Nice Bears by Yair Leopold. 775 Lefty on the lip with 856 in the far pool and possibly 68 between the jacuzzi and the island.:
2019.??.??: 755 Lefty on the lip, 2019 Instagram photo by Tyler Arnestad.
July 2019:[]
2019.07.05: 503 catches, 775 Lefty chases, Shaggy (unidentified mane bear) scores, 7/5/2019 video by mckate.
2019.07.06-07.16: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor angerbodha captured 14 photos of 775 Lefty on various dates during her 7/6-7/16/2019 visit, #1 (far, on lip), #2 (near), #3 (near), #4 (right), #5 (right), #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13 and #14. 775 Lefty can be seen fishing the lip with 402 (photo #1), in the far pool with 480 Otis (photos #2 and 3), having a confrontation with 68 (photos #4 and 5), sulking after the 68 confrontation (photo #7) and sitting in bushes above the falls (photo #14).
Please request angrboda's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.07.07: Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared two 7/7/2019 photos of 775 Lefty in chat on 1/18/2023, #1 and #2. "775 Lefty showed up at the falls the evening of my first day in Brooks River in 2019. The heat was unbearable that day and the salmon were no longer jumping the falls, but the most part of the boars made an appearance that night. 775 Lefty was one of them. He briefly tried the lip, but left shortly after when he realized he was not going to catch anything there."
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.07.08: NWBearLove92 shared 2 photos of 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020, #1 in the far pool and #2 on the lip. NWBearLove92 shared a 7/8/2019 photo of 775 Lefty on 3/31/2020. NWBearLove92 shared a 7/8/2019 photo of 775 Lefty on the lip on 5/16/2021.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2019.07.09: NWBearLove shared photos of 775 Lefty in the far pool on 3/29/2020, #1 and #2. NWBearLove92 shared two photos of 775 Lefty in the far pool on 5/16/2021, #1 and #2.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
2019.07.09-07.12: Lovethebears shared eight photos of 775 Lefty on 5/16/2021. The photos were taken during her 7/9-7/12 trip to Brooks Camp, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 and #8. Lovethebears commented "Lefty day? Well, here is my contribution, mid July 2019." Lovethebears1 shared seven additional mid-July, 2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and #7.
Please request Lori's (aka Lovethebears) permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.07.10: Olatz Azcona Munárriz shared five 7/10/2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5.
"775 Lefty was desperate for food the last time I visited the falls, a few hours before flying out on July 10, 2019.
He was all over the place, pouncing away, in search of the salmon that was missing in the river since the afternoon of July 7.
I only saw him catching one fish in the far pool before I had to leave the platform, but when I crossed the bridge on my way to the beach, schools of salmon were entering the river again.
I felt relieved for that meant 775 Lefty and the rest of the bears would resume feasting on salmon very soon.
Pictures taken on July 10, 2019."
Please request Olatz Azcona Munárriz's (aka Olatz) permission prior to using their photographs!
775 lies down on the job video by mckate.:
2019.07.12: 68 launches at 775 Lefty video by mckate.:
68 and 775 Lefty encounter 7/12/2019 video by flyer 7474.
NWBearLove92 shared photos of 775 Lefty and 402 with her 3 yearlings on 3/29/2020, #1, #2 and #3. NWBearLove explained the sequence of photos: "During my 2019 trip to Brooks Lefty was very active at the falls. It was hot and there were less salmon around. He pirated fish from some boars including 801 and also from several different subs. However, on 7/12/19 he messed with the wrong sow. 402 and her 3 yearlings were fishing together in the riffles. She caught a fish and was sharing it with the cubs. One of the cubs grabbed a big chunk and ran towards the platform. Lefty was watching and decided to try and go after the cub to steal it’s fish. 402 immediately went after him and gave him some good thwacks. He departed quickly. She then rounded up the cubs to make sure they were all ok and the family went back to fishing. It all happened so fast and it was amazing to see in person. I have a few pics of the event, but they are not great. The light was not good and the fight happened so fast I couldn’t get a good shot. I wish I had caught it on video." NWBearLove92 shared a 7/12/2019 photo of 68 (left) with 775 Lefty (right) on 3/29/2020. NWBearLove shared another 7/12/2019 photo of 68 (left) and 775 Lefty (right) on 6/21/2020 .68 is seen attacking 775 Lefty.
Please request NWBearLove92's permission prior to using any of their photographs!
Theresa Bielawski shared three mid-July 2019 photos of 775 Lefty and 68 involved in a scuffle on 5/17/2021, #1, #2 and #3. "Last ones tonight - I promise. Here is Lefty in a scuffle with 68 in mid-July 2019. It was quick, so I was lucky I got it - photos taken from Riffles platform. The days I was there in 2019 was the heat wave so most bears weren't around and those that were, were hangry."
Theresa Bielawski shared 14 additional mid_July 2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 5/18/2021, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13 and #14. "Here are my 2019 Lefty pictures. I was there during the heat wave and the fish were not running. He was one of the few bears that was still hanging out at the falls. He was dry most of the time, which was a new one for me to see. A dry Lefty is a hangry Lefty! Mid-July 2019. "
Please request Theresa Bielawski's permission prior to using her photographs!
Arlene Beech captured video from the same day as NWBearLoves above photos. The altercation was not seen on the 7/12/2019 video.
2019.07.13: 775 Lefty runs to the lip when he sees the salmon jumping, 7/13/2019 video by Lani H.
2019.07.14: Scooch shared this 7/14/2019 snapshot of 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020.
Scooch also shared a paraphrase of an Iris blessing: "A wish for Lefty ~
May God grant you always
a sunbeam to warm you,
a moonbeam to charm you,
a sheltering bear angel
so nothing can harm you,
a safe den to cheer you,
faithful friends near you,
and whenever you fish
a salmon to fill you."
Arlene Beech captured video of "Lefty with a Catch", 7/14/2019
2019.07.15: 747 steals 775 Lefty's fish video by mckate.:
747 takes 775 Lefty's fish, 7/15/2019 video by Lani H.
775 Lefty watches the mosh pit video by mckate. What an amazing fish boil in the J!:
Up close with 775 Lefty, 7/15/2019 video by flyer 7474.
2019.07.18: 775 Lefty July 18, 2019 NPS photo by Ranger Tammy Carmack KNP&P Flickr.
2019.07.21: Meeting of the bent and partial ear club ~ 480 Otis (left), 775 Lefty (center) and 755 Scare D. Bear (right) video by Lani H.:
2019.07.23: 801 moves 775 Lefty out of the far pool, 7/23/2019 video by Victoria White.
2019.07.24: 775 Lefty fishing the lip, 7/24/2019 video by Victoria White.
2019.07.26: 775 Lefty is seen arriving at the oxbow at 0:49 in this 7/26/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.07.30: 83 Wayne Brother harasses 775 Lefty video by mckate. Mckate's description of this video:
"I'm not sure what got into 83 Wayne Bro. Before all this started Lefty had walked across the top of the lip and looked like he might be thinking about entering the far pool where 83 was, but that didn't seem like it would warrant such a strong response. That's not a good spot for a fight, and I thought Lefty actually looked pretty scared. Glad it ended okay.":
2019.07.31: 775 Lefty on the lip video by Cruiser:
Scooch shared a 7/31/2019 snapshot of 775 Lefty on the lip.
August 2019: []
2019.08.??: Kam captured these photographs (#1 & #2 ) of 775 Lefty in August 2019 (p 03/03/2020 20:19 ). Kam shared eight additional August 2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/22, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8 and #9.
Please request Kam's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.??: Anniebu captured this early August, 2019 video (per comment under video) of 775 Lefty fishing the lip. Chatter FormerBear provided these observations and time stamps.
1) Tight close up on the lip starts at 3:40, showing off his tongue and lots of his signature head boobing fishing style (catches one)
2) Second medium shot at 6:57 where he catches another one
3) Nice slow mo of his bobbing at 11:14 catching a third one and a fourth at 12:46
4) Stealing two of Divot's fish starting at 18:04 and 19:09 , and then bullying her and pushing her to the top of the fish ladder
5) Finally resting on upper falls at 21:17
DanteV2000 share an August 2019 photo of 775 Lefty on the lip on 7/1/2020.
Please request DanteV2000's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.01: 775 Lefty gives 812 a thumbs down video by mckate. 775 Lefty wanted to know how the kid could miss that fish! Actually he probably just didn't like the way 812 looked at him, but it was a funny reaction..:
Scooch's 8/1/2019 gif of 775 Lefty, 812 and 480 Otis. Scooch commented "Lefty is so funny. Here, it appears that he scolds 812 for missing another fish. "Kid, if you can't do better than that, then get off the lip!" Lefty's action even surprised Otis in J." Note: The gif is too large to upload, thumbnail only. Click on the gif link above.
503, 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty, left to right, fish the lip, 8/1/2019 video by Lani H.
2019.08.02 - 2019.08.05: Kacko and Goof_n captured this photograph of 775 Lefty (p 03/03/2020 19:38 ). Goof_n shared 8/2-8/5/2019 photos of 775 Lefty in chat on 3/29/2020, #1, #2, and #3. Goof_n shared photos of 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020, #1, #2, #3 and #4. Goof_n shared this 8/4/2019 photo of 128 Grazer and 775 Lefty on 3/29/2020. Goof_n shared 8/4/2019 photos of 775 Lefty and 775 Lefty with 151 Walker on 3/29/2020. Photos #1, #2 and #3. Mckate appears to have captured 8/4/2019 video (see below) at the same time as Kacko and Goof_n's 8/4/2019 photos of 151 Walker and 775 Lefty on the lip together. Goof_n shared this 8/2/2019 photo of 775 Lefty fishing the lip side-saddle on 4/17/2020. Goof_n shared a 8/2/2019 photo of 775 Lefty on the lip on 2/16/2022.
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.03: 812 (right) with 821 (left with scar) photograph by Goof_N & Kacko (p 01/04/2020 13:13 ). Kacko and Goof_n also captured this August 3, 2019 photograph of 812 (near) with 128 Grazer (center) and 775 Lefty (far) (p 02/26/2020 08:03 ).:
Please request Kacko & Goof_n's permission prior to using their photographs!
Mckate captured video of 854 Divot (near) and 775 Lefty (far) fishing on the lip on 8/3/2019.
2019.08.04: 775 Lefty and 151 Walker video by mckate. 151 Walker and 775 Lefty actually shared the lip rather amicably after this one upset. The fish who jumped over Walker's neck made a lucky escape!:
DanteV2000 shared this 8/4/2019 photo of 854 Divot (near) and 775 Lefty (far) on the lip on 6/19/2020. DanteV2000 shared three 8/4/2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2, and #3. DanteV2000 shared three additional 8/4/2019 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2, and #3.
Please request DanteV2000's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.05: DanteV2000 shared this 8/5/2019 photo of 775 Lefty on 6/16/2020. DanteV2000 shared three 8/5/2019 photos of 775 Lefty fishing alongside single sows 854 Divot, 806 and 128 Grazer. "August 5, 2019 - 775 Lefty with the single Ladies (854, 806 & 128) on the lip…and they all came back Mommas in 2020…hmmm 😆." Photos #1, #2 and #3.
Please request DanteV2000's permission prior to using their photographs!
Photobearsbry captured extensive video of 854 Divot on 8/5/2019. She can be observed on the lip with 775 Lefty at 11:59 and with 806 to her right from 19:27-23:18.
2020.08.06: Photobearsbry shared an 8/6/2019 photo of 854 Divot (near) with 775 Lefty (far) on 7/20/2020.
Please request photobearsbry's permission prior to using his photographs!
909 and 910 keep an eye on 775 Lefty (sitting on top of the falls) while they fish the lip, 8/6/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.08.07: 775 Lefty, 128 Grazer & 755 Scare D Bear video by mckate:
Moskelbear shared this 8/7/2019 photo of 775 Lefty on 6/12/2020.
Please request moskelbear's permission prior to using their photographs!
2019.08.08-08.10: Izzy52 captured this 8/9/2019 or 8/10/2019 photo of 775 Lefty and shared it on 3/28/2020. Izzy52 shared photos of 775 Lefty and 775 Lefty with 812 on 3/29/2020. Photos #1, #2, #3 , #4 and #5. Izzy 52's photos of 775 Lefty and 812 on the lip are possibly taken on the same day as Lani H's 8/10/2019 video below.
Please request Izzy52's permission prior to using her photographs!
2019.08.10: 775 Lefty thinks about taking fish from 812, 8/10/2019 video by Lani H.
128 Grazer and 775 Lefty make a catch at the same time, 8/10/2019 video by Lani H.
September 2019:[]
2019.09.19: 775 Lefty fishing at the oxbow, 9/19/2019 video by Birgitt.
2019.09.30: 775 Lefty returns looking large video by mckate.:
October 2019:[]
2019.10.01: 755 ScareD Bear (left) and 775 Lefty (right), 10/1/2019 video by Lani H.
Birgitt's 10/1/2019 video "755 Scare D Bear & 775 Lefty two Old Boars at the Falls"
2019.10.02 06:00: 775 Lefty competes in the 2019 Fat Bear Week Tournament Round 1 vs 480 Otis:
KNP&P's October 2, 2019 06:00 AKDT Facebook post : 480 Otis vs 775 Lefty "Welcome to Fat Bear Week Round 1! Today's first match-up features a nervous nelly vs. a cool customer. Known as the head bobbing lip-fisher, 775 Lefty, entertained many a Brooks Camp visitor with his fishing prowess . 775 Lefty didn’t settle for leftovers. His spot on the river fed him a slippery salmon buffet. Two-time Fat Bear Week champion, 480 Otis, gets his substantial size by practicing a "move less, eat more" fishing technique. This zen-master ’s famous figure has earned him this spot in the fat bear bracket for the 5th time."
775 Lefty's September 21, 2019 photo used for the October 2, 2019 06:00 Round 1 match-up between 775 and 480 Otis was actually a September 21, 2019 photo of 879. Team503 created this poster :
2019.10.03: 775 Lefty NPS photos by Ranger Tammy Carmack from KNP&P Flickr (photo #1 & #2 ):
775 Lefty in the far pool video by Lani H. Note: 775's scar is clearly visible.:
2019.10.05: October 5, 2019 snapshots by cam viewers where 775 Lefty's scar is still clearly visible.:
Owl_and_Osprey_Lover_CA2017 captured this snapshot . Bookmom captured this snapshot . TinyJulz captured this snapshot . Xander-Sage captured this snapshot :
Lani H created this video of 775 Lefty below the falls.:
Mckate captured this video of 775 Lefty on 10/5/2019, "775 cleans up well."
2020: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty was included in the 2021 Bears of Brooks River book page 75.
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2020 season video of 775 Lefty, "Bear 775 Lefty 2020."
June 2020:[]
2020.06.30: 775 Lefty made his first appearance at Brooks Camp on 6/30/2020.He coud be seen traveling from the lower river to the oxbow area, video by Lani H.
83 Wayne Brother yells at 775 Lefty and marks a tree, 6/30/2020 video by mckate. "Not everyone is thrilled that 775 Lefty is back. I'll never forget 83 nearly backing poor Lefty off the lip last season. He kind of seems to have it in for him."
Mckate's 6/30/2020 video, 634 Popeye lets 775 Lefty know that the lip is his. "Rough first day back for 775 Lefty who also got into it a little with 151. I guess they have to reestablish the pecking order in case anyone forgot."
812 stands up to a pirating 775 Lefty, 6/30/2020 video by mckate.
July 2020:[]
2020.07.??: In a video posted on 7/29/2020 by Anchorage Planespotting, 775 Lefty can be seen fishing at the falls at 00:15-01:25.
2020.07.01: 775 Lefty eating near the falls platform, 7/1/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.03: 775 Lefty tries a new location, 7/3/2020 video by mckate. "I think Lefty might have caught a trout though which he didn't realize until he ate the head."
2020.07.04: Ranger Naomi Boak (aka NSBoak) shared two 7/4/2020 photos of 775 Lefty on the lip on 5/16/2020, #1 and #2.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
2020.07.05: Scooch's 7/5/2020 gif. "Lots of action in this short gif - 775 Lefty loses his fish on one end of the lip while a wolf catches a fish on the other. Look closely, you will see a fish land on the edge of the lip, fight mightily against the current before slipping back over the falls." Note: Gif is too large to upload, thumbnail only. Click gif link above.
2020.07.07: 747 causes 801 and 775 Lefty to move and have words, 7/7/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.08: 503 Cubadult, 151 Walker, 480 Otis and 775 Lefty all at the jacuzzi (at 04:45), 7/8/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
"Brutus" (unknown male boar) challenges 775 Lefty, 7/8/2020 video by mckate. "After having a nice dinner at the far end of the island, Brutus decided to harass Lefty a little. 402 (who was briefly on the lip) didn't seem overly concerned about him since he's about her size. I wonder who he'll challenge next?
2020.07.09: 402 approaches 775 Lefty and he follows her, 7/9/2020 video by Lani H.
Mckate's 7/9/2020 video, 775 Lefty gets lucky? "That was an invite to some afternoon delight by none other than the beautiful 402. It's ironic that 856 chased her all over the river for weeks on end, and all Lefty had to do was sit on the lip burping to get her attention. Makes me rethink 812's parentage a little."
2020.07.11: Mckate's 7/11/2020 video, 775 Lefty takes a break on top of the falls.
Green River's 7/11/2020 snapshot of 775 Lefty resting on top of the falls.
2020.07.12: Scooch's 7/12/2020 gif of 775 Lefty (left) and 480 Otis (right). "Lefty and Otis - Groovin', On A Sunday Afternoon..." Note: Unable to load gif due to size, thumbnail only. Click the link above to view.
2020.07.15: 775 Lefty chases 2 wolves off the lip, 7/15/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.16-07.17: Brooks Camp visitor Lee Pastewka (aka RiverPA) captured two 7/16/2020 photos of 775 Lefty (#1 and #2) and two 7/17/2020 photos of 775 Lefty (#1 and #2).
Please request Lee's (aka RiverPA ) permission prior to using her photographs !
2020.07.17: 775 Lefty and 634 Popeye have words in the far pool, 7/17/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.18: 89 Backpack and 775 Lefty fishing in the far pool, 7/18/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.19: A July evening at the falls. 911 on the lip, 503 in the J, 807 behind 503, 775 Lefty next to the J, 856 by the chute, 480 Otis in the office, and 634 Popeye by the trail, 7/19/2020 video by mckate.
2020.07.20: 775 Lefty up close and personal, 7/20/2020 video by Ratna Narayan.
2020.07.22: 775 Lefty has words with 151 Walker, 7/22/2020 video by Lani H.
Birgitt's 7/22/2020 video, 775 Scare D Bear & 480 Otis digest while 39 & cubs scavenge.
2020.07.24: 911 approaches 775 Lefty, 801 then chases 911 and have a stand off on the lip, 7/24/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.25: 775 Lefty sitting above the falls, 7/25/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.26: 775 Lefty looking pretty ragged, Brooks Falls, 7/26/2020 video by Cruiser.
2020.07.27: 775 Lefty could be seen catching a "flying fish" on 7/27/2020, gif by DanteV2000. Blair-55 also shared a gif. Note: Unable to upload Blair's gif
747 displaces 775 Lefty from the office, 7/27/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.29: 856 enters the far pool and has words with 775 Lefty, 7/29/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.07.30: Née BP shared a gif, "Lefty from all sides" on 7/30/2020.
August 2020:[]
2020.08.01: "Love Lefty's Lip Pucker" 8/1/2020 video by Cheryl B.
2020.08.02: 856 enters the far pool and has words with 775 Lefty, 801 also leaves the office, 8/2/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.08.03: 775 Lefty tells 812 he can have his spot, 8/3/2020 video by mckate.
September 2020:[]
2020.09.14: 775 Lefty returns to Brooks Camp after a six week absence, 9/14/2020 video by mckate.
A good look at 775 Lefty, 9/14/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.16: 856 has words with 775 Lefty, 9/16/2020 video by Lani H.
Lani H's 9/16/2020 video of 775 Lefty in the riffles.
2020.09.21: 775 Lefty's nemesis, the ladder, 9/21/2020 video by FormerBear. "This time after a good hour of salmon target practice, 775 Lefty decided to take another shot at his nemesis: The Ladder. See how long it takes him and the punishing result. Spoiler: 15s. Please note a correction: in the video bubble it mentions "Chunko" as a reference to 32 Chunk. The bear is actually 775 Lefty. I misidentified him. My sincere apologies to both 775 Lefty and 32 Chunk!"
2020.09.23: 775 Lefty early morning visit to the falls, 9/23/2020 video by Lani H.
2020.09.24: Mckate's 9/24/2020 video, 747 and 775 Lefty say good morning. "In the way boars do (grumble, grumble). Good to see Lefty is still around. I thought he might have just been passing through."
2020.09.25: 775 Lefty early bear at the falls, 9/25/2020 video by Lani H.
October 2020:[]
2020.10.01: Lani H's 10/1/2020 video of 775 Lefty stopping by the falls. This was the last time he was seen in 2020.
2021: Adult Male[]
775 Lefty was included in the 2022 Bears of Brooks River book page 81.
2020 Season:[]
Deanna Dittloff (aka deelynnd) created this 2021 video of 775 Lefty, "775 Lefty 2021."
July 2021:[]
2021.07.03: 775 Lefty made his return to Brooks camp on 7/3/2021, video by JG. "Last clip was later in the day."
Mckate's 7/3/2021 video of 775 Lefty's arrival.
2021.07.05: Ranger Naomi Boak shared an early July, 2021 photo of 775 Lefty on 6/27/2021. "A visitor at the falls last night told me she saw 775 yesterday. I feel less concerned about him because years ago he did not fish the falls in July. We saw him above the falls early July. He saw no salmon and left. I suspect he had another alternate fishing hole to investigate. I will let you know if he is seen again. And he looked great when we saw him." NSBoak (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) clarified in a 2/16/2022 post that this photo was taken on 7/5/2021. NSBoak also shared three additional 7/5/2021 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2 and #3.
Please request NSBoak's (aka Ranger Naomi Boak) permission prior to using her photographs!
A better look at 775 Lefty, 7/5/2021 video by mckate.
A nice view of 775 Lefty above the falls, 7/5/2021 video by JG.
Park visitor and cam viewer, Truman Everts captured this photograph on July 5, 2021 15:59 AKDT. Truman Everts shared this 7/5/2021 photo of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022. Please request Truman Everts' permission prior to using his photographs!
September 2021:[]
2021.09.14: 775 Lefty made a brief 2 day visit in July and then was not seen again until September. Perhaps he saw that the salmon had not arrived and went to other salmon areas known to him from the past.
775 Lefty is back after being gone all summer! 9/14/2021 video by Hey Princess.
Mckate's 9/14/2021 video of 775 Lefty.
A closer look at 775 Lefty, 9/14/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.15: 775 Lefty at the falls, 9/15/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.16: Cam viewer and Brooks Camp visitor KingOTIS shared six 9/16/2021 photos of 775 Lefty on 2/16/2022, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6.
Please request KingOTIS's permission prior to using their photographs!
775 Lefty above the falls, 9/16/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.17: 775 Lefty at the falls, 9/17/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.19: 775 Lefty at the oxbow, 9/19/2021 video by Itzy Holly.
2021.09.21: 775 Lefty takes a glance at the platform, 9/21/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.22: 435 Holly and her yearling are seen fishing at the oxbow. 775 Lefty enters from the right at 0:30, 9/22/2021 video by Cheryl B.
2021.09.25: 775 Lefty around the falls, 9/25/2021 video by JG.
2021.09.26: 775 Lefty could be a Fat Bear contender, 9/26/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.09.27: 775 Lefty at the falls, 9/27/2021 screenshot by mazey.
2021.09.28: 775 Lefty does an about face, 9/28/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.09.30: 775 Lefty makes his way around the falls, 9/30/2021 video by JG.
October 2021:[]
2021.10.01: 775 Lefty sitting above the falls, 10/1/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.03: 775 Lefty by the platform, 10/3/2021 video by JG.
2021.10.05: 775 Lefty explores the lower river, 10/5/2021 video by Hey Princess.
2021.10.06: 775 Lefty and his gull, 10/6/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2021.10.09: Guess who? 10/9/2021 video by markindify features 775 Lefty and 879, both with wonky left ears.
Blair-55's 10/9/2021 gif of 775 Lefty.
2021.10.15: 775 Lefty was last observed on the lower river, 10/15/2021 gif by LunaCre.
2022: Adult Male[]
June 2022:[]
2022.06.29: 775 Lefty was first observed appearing very hungry in this 7/1/2022 video by JG. 775 was seen pouncing for fish below the falls before finally catching one.
151 Walker greets 775 Lefty at the falls, 6/29/2022 video by mckate.
2022.06.30: Markindify's 6/30/2022 video of 775 Lefty below the falls, attempted pirating, being nudged off the falls by 128 Grazer and fishing the lip.
July 2022:[]
2022.07.01: 480 Otis confronts 775 Lefty, vaults a tree and makes a run at 503, 7/1/2022 video by JG.
LunaCre's 7/1/2022 gif of 775 Lefty fishing the lip.
September 2022:[]
775 Lefty appears on the list of Bears Monitored in September 2022.
2022.09.18: 775 Lefty (not 299) spent most of his time in the fall in the lower river/oxbow area, 9/18/2022 video by Cheryl B.
2022.09.19: Possibly 775 Lefty late in the evening on 9/18/2022, snapshot by HollyM.
October 2022:[]
2022.10.02: 775 Lefty at the oxbow, 10/2/2022 screenshots by mazey #1 and #2 (far).
2023: Adult Male[]
How 775 Lefty Got His Nickname:[]
775 Lefty's nickname was inspired by his short left ear. The name is believed to have originated with KNPS.
Known Courting & Mating:[]
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Known Relatives:[]
There are no known relatives of 775 Lefty at this time.
Genetics Study Samples Obtained:[]
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